Configuring Disks

You can add new disks to the server to increase the storage capacity of the server. To add a new disk drive to the server, you must perform steps, such as installing the disk, initializing the disk, creating and formatting partitions, assign drive letters and mounting and extending volumes.

1. Installing disks

Installing the disk involves the process of physically adding the disk to the server. You must enable Windows Server 2003 to scan and detect the disk. When you install the disk, Windows Server 2003 automatically detects the disk. You can install disks either by switching down the server, then installing the disk or by adding the dis without taking the server offline.

To enable Windows Server 2003 automatically detect disks:

1. Open Computer Management console.

2. Click Disk Management.

3. Select Action > Rescan Disks. Windows Server 2003 searches for disks and lists them under Disk management.

2. Initializing Disks

Windows Server 2003 creates a disk signature on the disk when you initialize the disk. The disk signature enables the operating system to allocate space on the disk for partitions and volumes. Windows Server 2003 automatically starts the Initialize Disk Wizard after you install a new disk. You can also manually initialize the disk.

To initialize a disk manually:

1. Select Start > Programs > Administrative Tools > Computer Management. The Computer Management console appears,

2. Click Disk Management. The Disk Management Window appears,

3. Right-click the disk. A shortcut menu appears.

4. Select Initialize Disk. Windows initializes the disk.